NFL scouts impressed with Notre Dame tight end's improved blocking

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Even in the sanctity of the parents' tailgate lot northeast of Notre Dame Stadium, Tyler Eifert has to demonstrate a proficiency in blocking out. The question everyone asks — If you don't get the ball more, how will that affect your NFL prospects? — confronts him even there.

He doesn't like talking about it. The Irish's gifted and laconic tight end doesn't like talking about much, actually, but especially that. So Eifert shrugs and extricates himself from discussing the issue by running a subtle go route.

"It's not really in my control," Eifert said. "I control what I can control, and that's making plays when I get the opportunity, being a good teammate, blocking, playing my best when I'm out there to help us win. It hasn't been annoying. People don't really understand there are a lot of people watching other things than how many catches you have."

Eifert's decision to return for 2012 took longer than Manti Te'o's and has been more complicated, with the 6-foot-6 human mismatch clearly the team's best offensive weapon but clearly mobbed by defenses while a first-year quarterback made his way.

He has 34 catches in 10 games. He had 63 catches a year ago. But here's the thing: The numbers went down, and Eifert's stock shot up.

"I think it's helped him because he's shown he can block," ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said. "He's been a very good blocker. He's obviously a guy that has tremendous ability in the red zone, which is critical in the NFL. Just has tremendous versatility, great body control, understands how to utilize that frame. Even when he's covered, he's not covered.

"He's a heck of a player. I wouldn't worry too much about the production or the numbers. The bottom line is what kind of player he is. And right now, he's a complete tight end, and he's going to have great value in the NFL."

Eifert received a third-round grade from the league's advisory committee a year ago and now might be a mid- to late first-round pick. Kiper rates him as the No. 18 overall prospect. Rob Rang, a draft analyst for CBSSports.com and NFLDraftScout.com, pegs Eifert as the No. 20 player available.

A league increasingly using tight ends in inventive ways won't dismiss Eifert's impeccable jump-ball ability just because teams don't see it as often.

"Scouts take into account the talent surrounding prospects, especially when it comes to fluctuating statistics," Rang said. "Statistics are often meaningless in the eyes of scouts. They are looking for a unique combination of size, athleticism, strength, toughness and dedication.

"The biggest knock on Eifert at this point is questions about his explosiveness out of his breaks and his straight-line speed. Demonstrating better-than-expected burst in these areas during pre-draft workouts could certainly aid his stock."

Rang echoed Kiper in saying Eifert has become "a more reliable, physical blocker." Eifert puts it simply: He had another year to get bigger and stronger. Irish coach Brian Kelly went as far as to say Eifert "is sometimes reckless" in throwing his body in the way.

"If you asked the guys at the next level about Tyler Eifert, they really don't care about how many balls he caught because they know he can catch the football," Kelly said. "They're looking at other things that he's developed. He's going to find himself in a pretty good position in April."

Eifert feels it's a good position in November. He procrastinated on the stay-or-go decision but told himself he would make the most of it either way.

He hasn't, statistically speaking. Who knew he would be better off for it.

"I've gotten an experience that not very many people get to have," Eifert said. "The fact that we've gone undefeated so far, we've had a great run and we've enjoyed our teammates doing it — that's something I don't think I'll ever forget."